Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction, which can be fatal and must be taken extremely seriously. First aid can help, but an adult having an anaphylactic reaction also needs medical attention.

What is it?

Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction to certain foods, insect stings or drugs, which results in rapid chemical changes in the body.

Symptoms

• Blood vessels dilate, producing red, blotchy skin
• Air passages become constricted, resulting in breathing difficulties
• Face and neck may swell
• Heart, brain and lungs may suffer from a dramatic drop in oxygen supply
• Casualty may wheeze and gasp for air

First aid aims

• Get emergency help
• Resuscitate, if necessary

Actions

• Go to the nearest hospital and give any details you have of cause of reaction
• Help casualty to sit in a position that helps with breathing
• Loosen any tight clothing
• Check to see if casualty is carrying medication and encourage them to use it

Further actions

If the casualty loses consciousness

• Go to the nearest hospital.
• Lie them down
• Open airway
• Prepare to start resuscitation
• Place them in recovery position